Culture

OYHA Condemns Alleged Derogatory Remark against Soun

By Web News 309

By Mosope Kehinde

The Oyo State House of Assembly has condemned the derogatory remarks allegedly made by the former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Dr. Doyin Odebowale against the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, during a recent broadcast on a radio station in Ibadan. 

The lawmakers described the alleged derogatory comments as factually incorrect, disrespectful, and inciting.

In a motion sponsored by Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, Leader of the House, the Assembly noted the critical role of traditional institutions in preserving culture, heritage, and community cohesion in Oyo State.

The lawmakers observed that Dr Odebowale’s remarks breached the Nigeria Broadcasting Code of Ethics and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, Cap N11, LFN 2004. 

They therefore urged the Executive Arm of Government to take proactive steps to safeguard traditional institutions in Oyo State.

The Assembly called on the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to seek legal remedy against Dr Odebowale for making defamatory and inciting remarks against the Soun of Ogbomosoland. 

Furthermore, the lawmakers called on NBC to prevail on the FM Station to air a public apology on the issue, while also directing the station to retract the alleged misleading and offensive statements.

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Culture

Pastor Adeboye Says God Destined Ghandi to Be King

By Web News 599

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday, said he knew long ago that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, was destined to be a king.

Oba Ghandi Olaoye was an RCCG pastor, in charge of the church’s branch, Jesus House in Washington DC, when he was selected as the Soun of Ogbomoso after the ancient stool became vacant following the death of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.

Olaoye was installed as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State in September and he is scheduled to be presented with the staff of office on Tuesday, December 19 by Governor, Seyi Makinde.

On Sunday, an interdenominational thanksgiving service for the new Soun was held at Beulah Baptist Conference, Ogbomoso

In attendance was the RCCG General Overseer, Adeboye.

In his remarks, Adeboye said he had always known that Olaoye was born to be a king, adding that God had a hand in his ascension to the ancient throne.

The emergence of Olaoye, a pastor, as the Soun had raised an eyebrow in the public space, with many wondering how he would manoeuvre through the African traditional rites involved in the coronation of a Yoruba monarch.

Addressing the issue on Sunday, Adeboye said Olaoye’s emergence as Soun had God’s backing and he could not stop it.

The GO said, “I knew Olaoye was born to be king. When he (Olaoye) came to me to inform me about the development I told him to go and pray. He came back and said he had not heard anything. I told him to go back and pray again, and after a while, he came back and told me, ‘God has spoken. I have heard him loud and clear that I should go ahead.  It was then that I told him to go ahead because it had been destined. I knew that long ago but I wanted God to speak to him directly.

“To my critics, if I said no and God said yes, whose word is the final? God, of course. So, I cannot stop him because Pastor Olaoye was destined to be a king even before he was born and thank God it is coming to fruition.”

Adeboye, who took his scripture from the book of Act 15:18, advised the monarch to embrace the people and promote peace and unity among his subjects.

He subsequently anointed the king and his wife, praying for a peaceful and prosperous reign as Soun.

Responding, Oba Olaoye said, “I give the Lord all the glory for the day I met Pastor Adeboye. He has been a father to me. He is a spiritual father to me. He was a role model. I have travelled with him to every part of the world. I watched him closely and I saw a genuine man of God. So, he has been a role model to me. You can imagine how excited I am today (Sunday) that the person who anointed and laid hands on me to become a pastor is the same person who lays hands on me as a King today.

“This is a new season. I believe it’s a new dawn for Ogbomoso, where there will be an opportunity, this land shall be a land where God Almighty will reign. I want everybody in this land to continue to pray for me that the Lord should lead me aright. I will rule with equity, justice and fairness. I will not be the king to Christians alone, I will be a king to the Muslims, to the traditionalists and to every indigene of this land and make Ogbomosoland a place where sons and daughters can be proud. I pray for the grace and mercy to rule in the right way and do justice to everyone. I believe God will make this city a great city, the envy of many towns not only in this state not even in Nigeria but in the world at large.

“To the people of Ogbomosoland, I want to thank you all for the love you have been showing to me since I became the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Your love has been humbling to me and I will use all the networks that God has given me to help this city grow better.”

Special prayers were also offered by the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev  Israel Akanji; Bishop Titus Olayinka; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Pastor J.S. Adegoke; Rev. Solomon Ademola Isola; former President of the seminary, Professor Nihinlola Emiola; Rev Stephen Ayankeye; Rev Bishop Moradeyo Olayinka; Bishop of Anglican Church, Rev Johnson Adeniji, Prophet Akintola, Baba Awoye among others.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

Oyo Govt Files Appeal against Soun’s Removal

By Web News 491

The Oyo State Government has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Judicial Division, to challenge a High Court verdict in Ogbomoso, which upturned the selection and installation of the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

According to reports the state government announced Olaoye as the new Soun and made him King, on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Justice Kareem Adedokun had, on Wednesday, October 25, in his judgment on suit no. HOG/27/2023 between Prince Kabir Olaoye vs the Governor of Oyo State and 11 others, said that the procedure for the nomination of the Soun of Ogbomoso, the 12th Defendant, was, “irregular, null and void.’’ for not strictly complying with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy declaration of 1958.

The same judge had, in a suit no. HOG/20/2023, instituted by Prince Taofeeq Olaoye also challenging Oba Olaoye in which judgment was delivered on October 3, Adedokun ruled that the procedure was, “right, valid and proper.”

However, the government also filed a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The application is also seeking an order from the court, restraining the claimant/respondent by himself or through his servants, agents, privies or otherwise whatsoever prevent him from taking any step or further step in recognition or in pursuance of the judgment of the High Court delivered by Adedokun.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the appeal was filed by Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Co in Ibadan, on behalf of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy matter.

The notice of appeal dated October 27, is seeking an order setting aside the judgment of the trial court of October 25, or an order of re-trial before another judge of the state High Court.

The six grounds of appeal pointed out how the trial Judge erred in his submission and how the judgment of October 25, 2023, is against the weight of evidence before the Honourable Court.

The respondents included Dapo Atanda, Esq of Dapo Atanda’s Chambers; Ogbomoso North Local Government, Kinnira, Ogbomoso; the Traditional Council of Ogbomoso North Kinnira, Ogbomoso; S. A. Mohammed Esq., Mohammed & Mohammed & Co; Mobolaji Chambers, Kola Fatoye Esq, Chief Samuel Otolorin, Chief Salawu Ajadi, Chief Tijani Abioye, Chief David Adeniran Ojo, Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Oladunni Olaoye and others.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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News

Tension as Olaoye Family Kicks against Choice of New Soun

By Web News 1531

By Mathew Famakinde

There appears to be a new twist to the approval of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye by the Oyo State Government as the new Soun of Ogbomoso land.

It would be recalled that over the weekend, Governor Seyi Makinde approved the selection of Prince Afolabi Olaoye as the new Soun-elect of Ogbomoso land.

However, in swift reaction to the approval, the family of Laoye, where the Soun-elect hails from, has appealed to the State government to rescind its decision.

While speaking with journalists at a news conference in Ogbomoso, the Laoye family head, Alhaji Garuba Tewogbola said though, Prince Afolabi is a member of the family, he was not recognized by many.

Alhaji Tewogbola noted that the matter of who occupies the Soun throne was also still pending in court for hearing. 

In his own reaction, the PRO of Laoye family, Prince Tajudeen Olapade said the kingmakers erred in their decisions, noting that they were surprised to hear the name of Prince Afolabi being announced as the new Soun of Ogbomoso land.

Our correspondent reports that the Laoye family members, who spread across Ogbomoso land were chanting they want a reversal of the decision of Oyo state government, calling on all the indigents of the Land to remain calm and watch the next step.

Meanwhile, a cross section of residents, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, maintained that they feel elated, not minding who ascends the throne.

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Politics

Tinubu in Ogbomoso, Condoles with Royal, Alao-Akala Families

By Web News 722

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC and a former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condoled with the entire Ogbomoso land over the demise of the revered traditional ruler, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi and a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala.

Soun of Ogbomoso had joined the ancestors on the twelfth of December last year while Alao-Akala died on January 12 this year, exactly a month apart.

Arriving in a chopper at the Ogbomoso Grammar school for a condolence visit, hundreds of indigenes including the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare and Member representing Surulere Ogo Oluwa federal constituency,Segun Odebunmi received the former Lagos State governor.

The APC stalwart and the presidential hopeful of the party first visited the Oja Igbo palace of the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi where a closed-door meeting was held and later proceeded to pay homage to the bereaved family of Alao-Akala.

Describing the passage of the two bigwigs of Ogbomoso descent as a great loss, Tinubu said he enjoyed a good relationship with the late monarch saying the Yoruba race has lost a gem.

Tinubu also described Alao-Akala as a generous individual who was passionate about his people.

He prayed to God to console Ogbomoso land on what he described as a colossal loss to the land.

The APC stalwart also restated his commitment to always empower the youths and prioritise their needs.

Adedayo Adelowo

Lifestyle

Soun of Ogbomoso will get state burial-Makinde

By Web News 692

Oyo State governor Engineer Seyi Makinde says the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewunmi Ajagungbade will get a state burial. 

He stated this during a condolence visit to the family of the late Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 

Governor Makinde while addressing the family, High Chiefs and members of Ogbomoso community at the Palace of the Soun, said that the visit was to officially condole with the family and entire sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland over the demise of the foremost monarch and that of his daughter, Professor Taibat Danmale. 

He said the late Oba Oyewunmi was a forthright and very blunt person, who used to speak truth to power always who left a good legacy and did wonderfully well for the development of Ogbomoso and the Oyo state in general.

Earlier, the eldest son of the late monarch, Dr. Aderemi Oyewumi, said that governor Makinde is one of the favourite governors of the late monarch, adding that the visit was highly appreciated.

He, therefore, pleaded with the governor to expedite action in installing another Soun of Ogbomoso land very soon.

Adebisi Adebayo

Security

Oyo CP Visits Soun, Solicits Support on Security

By Web News 720

Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ngozi Onadeko says the Command is striving to ensure peace across the state.

The commissioner stated this when she paid a courtesy call on Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi at his palace in Ogbomoso.

The commissioner said since she took over activities of police in Oyo State, the command had been making consultation with stakeholders to ensure security of lives and property, hence the motivation for the courtesy call.

Onadeko maintained that the essence of the visit was to seek support of the monarch on security matters and to receive royal blessings.

“Kabiyesi, we just came to pay homage to you. For the past two or three weeks, I have been going through all the area commands to meet with the policemen and the royal fathers.

We have come to demonstrate visibility policing to tell the people that we are on ground to make peace with everybody” She said.

Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi, speaking through a former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala prayed to God to grant the commissioner the grace to be successful in her career.

Oba Oyewunmi also charged the police commissioner to be up and doing in ensuring that the entire Ogbomoso land was crime free.

Adedayo Adelowo

Crime

Marwa Visits Soun, Wants Traditional Rulers Help over Drug Abuse

By Web News 1049

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has tasked traditional rulers to set up drug control committees at their localities to check the problem of drug abuse.

Chairman of the agency, General Buba Marwa (Rtd) made the call during a visit to Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi

General Marwa, who put statistics of prevalence of drug abuse in the South west Nigeria at twenty-two point four percent, said Oyo state constituted  twenty three percent of the figure.

He said involvement of traditional rulers would make the campaign against drug abuse effective at the grassroots.

The NDLEA boss, who also inaugurated a behavioral centre in Ogbomoso, explained that drug abuse was part of factors responsible for crimes in the society

He noted that the agency was doing all within its power to check the menace.

In a remark, Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi explained that problems of drug abuse should be tackled from homes, and urged youths to make good use of their lives rather than engaging in drug abuse.

The monarch gave assurance that drug abuse would not be tolerated in Ogbomoso land.

Adedayo Adelowo

Culture

Soun Installs Sunday Dare as Aagbaakin of Ogbomoso

By Web News 1907

Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare has been installed as the Aagbaakin of Ogbomoso land by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi.

The event, which was held at the palace of the Soun, had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life.

Presenting the certificate to the new chief, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi commended the minister for his strides to bring development to Ogbomoso land.

The traditional ruler urged Chief Sunday Dare, whose wife was also installed as Yeye Agbaakin of Ogbomoso land, to remain steadfast in fighting the course of Ogbomoso land.

Reacting, Chief Sunday Dare, who expressed gladness over the feat achieved, appreciated the monarch for considering him worthy of the traditional title.

Chief Dare, however, pledged to do more in ensuring the advancement of Ogbomoso.

He also stressed his determination to collaborate with other Ogbomoso chiefs to bring development to the town.

The minister, while noting that the recently approved Ayede Polytechnic would be a reality, donated an eighteen-seat bus for the effective running of the proposed school.

Also, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Orelope Adefolure promised to establish a six hundred capacity skill acquisition centre in the ancient town through her office.

The former Lagos State deputy governor also gave an assurance that an eight-bedroom hospital about to be inaugurated would be named after Soun of Ogbomoso to acknowledge the effort of the monarch on developmental drives.

Adedayo Adelowo

Yoruba

Soun Gboriyin Fun Ijoba Apapo Lori Idasile Ile-Eko Gbogbonise Nipinle Oyo

By Web News 986

Soun ti Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagbungbade keta, ti gboriyin fun Aare Muhammadu Buhari pelu bo se b’uwolu idasile ile eko gbogbonise t’oje t’ijoba apapo ni Ayede, Ogbomoso.

Ijoba apapo lenu loloyi, buwolu idasile ile-eko gbogbonise nipinle Oyo, pelu owo ibere ise tooto bilionu meji Naira.

Ninu atejade kan, Oba Oyewumi enito sapejuwe igbese naa gege bi eyi to daa gbaa, gbe osuba kaare fun ijoba.

Oba Oyewumi lasiko to n ki awon omobibi ilu Ogbomoso ku oriire, lori aseyori yii, kesi ijoba ni gbogbo eka lati mu eto eko lokun-kundun.

Oba alaaye ohun, wa rawo ebe sawon ara agbegbe Ayede, lati fowosowopo pelu awon igbimo to nsise ile-eko ohun ti yoo maa sabewo si agbegbe naa fun eto eko toye koro.

Net/Elizabeth Idogbe

Politics

#EndSARS: I am in full support of ending police brutality – Makinde

By Web News 687

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has commended the protesting youths on the #ENDSARS issue for their peaceful conduct in the bid to changing certain policies of government and ending police brutality.

Governor Makinde stated this while addressing the #EndSARS protesters, who converged on the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. 

The governor while declaring his full support for those calling for an end to police brutality however sued for peace so that the ongoing protests to achieve the desired result.

Governor Seyi Makinde (with the microphone), OYHA Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, while addressing #EndSARS protesters in Oyo State

He promised to get all protesters who were arrested in the course of the protests released by the police, while also pledging to ensure that no further life is lost to the protests in the state.

Governor Makinde stated that his government would follow the path of constructive engagement to diffuse the tension in the land adding that the state would roll out palliatives for youths within the next one week.

The governor had earlier visited Ogbomoso area of the state to sympathise with the families of Isiaka Jimoh who died during the #ENDSARS protest and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi over the invasion of the palace which led to vandalisation of the property at the place in the wake of the protest.

The governor ordered the release of one hundred million naira to the monarch for renovation of the palace.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

#EndSARS Protest Leaves Ogbomoso in Disarray

By Web News 706

Angry youths have vandalized the palace of SOUN of Ogbomoso.

This is coming about 24 hours after the police allegedly killed a youth identified as Isiaka Jimoh during the #EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso

The death of Isiaka Jimoh is believed to have prompted the action of the raging youths.

The suspected thugs who engaged men of the Nigeria police force threw stone to the age long palace to show their dissatisfaction on the activities of the special anti robbery squad.

However,normalcy has been restored to the ancient town as soldiers and policemen are currently ensuring that people do their daily business without hindrance..

Meanwhile ,the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, has disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.

Adamu made the announcement in a live broadcast on Sunday, followed by a press release by the Force Public Relations Office, Frank Mba.

The IGP also said operatives of the disbanded unit will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

According to the statement by Mba, the action was taken due to the yearnings of Nigerians.

Groups of Nigerians have been protesting overzealousness of officers of SARS.

The protests had gone through virtually all the states of the federation while the social media have been flooded with #Endsars campaign.

Adedayo Adelowo